Legend of Bagnoles de l'Orne

The village of Bagnoles de l’Orne is situated on a natural spring. The springs were known during Roman times and given the name Bagnolium. Here the Roman legions would relax in the warm waters of the spring between the constant battles between them and the Gauls. 

There are many legends surrounding the area. Two legends tell of the discovery of the springs. One legend is of a wealthy feudal Lord, Hughes of Tessé, who owned vast lands in the region and ruled over thousands of vassals. He was rich and highly honored, a fair and just Lord, long in the tooth. The days of his youth were far behind him. His favored mount, Rapid, had been a longtime companion. The noble horse had been a devoted and reliable friend for many seasons and was now in the winter of his life. His black coat was spotted with grey. His once mighty legs showed swelling of the joints and his steps were slow and ponderous. The Lord Hughes decided to release the horse into the nearby forest so he could live out his days in peace.

 A month later the Lord looked out over his lands and noted a young horse frolicking outside in the open pastures. When he went outside, he discovered it was his own horse, Rapid, returned home. The horse was young again! His shiny black coat had not a speck of grey and his legs were straight and strong once again. The Lord was curious as to how this could be and so he followed the horse as it wandered back into the forest and to a clear running spring. As he watched, other animals came to the spring and as they drank the waters their youth was restored. Now they could escape from the hunt.

The Lord drank from the same waters and his youth was miraculously restored as well. Lord Hughes built a hospital and chapel beside the spring in this special place. The town of Bagnoles was born.

The second legend of the springs tells of a Lord also. The Lord of Bonvoulair married a very young, very beautiful girl. The Lord and his bride were very happy together, but try as they might they had no children. The years came and went without the cheerful noises of children playing in their castle. Then the Lord heard of a magical spring and went there to bath and drink the water. Over the next few years the couple were graced with many beautiful healthy children. In gratitude the Lord built a tower as memorial for what had happened. The tower is situated in Juvigny-sous-Andaines, just outside of Bagnoles de l’Orne and bears a special shape. 

In 1913 the rail service came to this area. Most of the land was owned by the surrounding villages and there were discussions as to where to build the train depot. Land was donated by the three surrounding villages and Bagnoles de l’Orne was chartered as a neutral and central location to receive the train depot. All the villages benefited from the train service. In 2000 the villages of Bagnoles and Tessé-la-Madeleine merged together, retaining the name of Bagnoles de l’Orne since it had grown into a well-known resort for its healing baths and retirement centers. This year Bagnoles de l'Orne celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Sadly, the train depot is now closed.